A site visit in 2011 next to the Strubenkop Nature Reserve led to the realisation that the unique site needs to be preserved and protected.
Archaeologist Prof Anton van Vollenhoven said the fort was used in the Anglo-Boer War.
“The history of the Anglo-Boer War in Pretoria has been quite well documented,” said Vollenhoven.
The war took place between 1899 and 1902. By January 1901 many blockhouses (forts) have been erected.”
Vollenhoven said these were mainly corrugated iron structures as they were prefabricated and could be built in a short period of time.
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It is believed that about 8 000 of these houses has been built.
He said the British soldiers built extra forts in Pretoria in order to protect Pretoria after they occupied it.
The fort on Strubenkop was one of these and was officially named the Eastern Redoubt.
“Strubenkop was strategically important to safeguard the town from the east.
The Boers also planned to build a fort here, but this never materialized.”
Vollenhoven said the fort was also used as a signal station and lookout point.
From 15 to 21 July it will be the fifth year where people can come and excavate at the old fort, he said.
“From 15 to 16 July first-time participants will have to attend compulsory workshops to learn some valuable archaeological skills.”
From 17 to 21 July people will make their way to the fort for some fieldwork to see what they can find.
Vollenhoven said during previous excavations they found old war uniform buttons, bullet shell glass and porcelain items and even parts of the canned food the soldiers ate.
He said in certain areas they found specific items which made it easy to identify where which room of the fort was.
“If there are a lot of glass it was most likely the kitchen. Where we found softer glass it indicated that these were wine bottles that could have been the officers’ quarters.”
To get involved in the excavation Van Vollenhoven can be contacted on 083-291-6104.
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